One of seven sheikhdoms forming the United Arab Emirates, Dubai traces its history back 5000 years. Settlements sprang up along what is now called Dubai Creek thanks to the area's ample freshwater supply and its easy access to the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea, which made it a pivotal stop in overland and maritime trade routes. Pearl-diving, too, became a thriving industry, as warm, still gulf waters yielded some of the world's finest specimens. However, in the 1920s, the Great Depression and a growing market for cultured pearls handcuffed the industry until it nearly died out. Always the survivor, Dubai recovered by promoting its duty-free trade zone and becoming one of the Middle East's economic goliaths. Today, jetsetters from around the world daily arrive in Dubai, attending the city's fabulous resort hotels and taking advantage of its cosmopolitan dining, nightlife, and shopping scenes. Dubai is more than just Western-style resort, though, and exploration of the city reveals "souqs" (traditional open-air markets), where shoppers can find fabulous deals on jewelry and fabrics; architectural ruins at Jumeirah Beach; a quaint Old Town where ornate wind towers loom over narrow lanes; and an enviable park system featuring exquisite Creekside Park and Jumeirah Beach Park. Indeed, the city embraces its past while still managing to keep both eyes on the future, a mentality reflected in many of Dubai's ultra-modern business towers and shopping centers, which bear distinctively Middle Eastern-themed designs.

With 600 luxuriously appointed rooms; a choice of studio, one, two, and three bedroom furnished apartments; three Executive floors complete with private dining room and iounge, faxes and computer connections and 100 Suites.All rooms offer full amenities plus mini-fridges, tea & coffee making faci-lities, iron & ironhoard on request, direct international dialing, hairdryers, safes, trouser press, satellite TV and 24 hour room service. Special rooms for non-smokers and disabled.

Dining at The Crowne Plaza Dubai is an experience not to be missed with our 10 international restaurants and lounges: Sakura - Japanese, Al Tannour - Lebanese, Western Steakhouse, Harvesters Pub, Cappuccino's Coffee Shop, Al Dana, Al Fresco (Italian Eatery) 24-hour café/restaurant, Piano Bar and Trader Vic's.

Sports and leisure facilities include: Open-air swimming pool, Beach Club, Nautilus Health Club, two squash courts and aerobics.